Whale Watching Tours

Although Humpback whales begin arriving in Banderas Bay in the month of November, the official whale-watching season does not commence until the first few weeks of December. The season officially ends on March 23. Whale watching is an activity that is regulated by the Mexican authorities. Our list of whale-watching tour companies mentions only those operators who participate in cooperative scientific research and whale-fluke identification on Banderas Bay, as well as those tour operators who firmly abide by the official whale-watching regulations of the Mexican government.

Ocean Friendly Whale Watching Adventures
Los Peines Pier
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico Phone: 322.225.3774
www.oceanfriendly.com

This responsible tour operator offers daily customized trips to view the whales and dolphins that live in Banderas Bay. For the last 10 years Ocean Friendly uses Kite Aerial Photography to study and document Humpback whales in Banderas Bay. This company has been the proud recipient of several Certificate of Excellence awards from TripAdvisor for the years 2011, 2012, and 2013. Tours depart from the Los Peines Pier which is located between the Naval Hospital and the Puerto Iguana condominiums. For the comfort of all passengers, tours are limited to 12 passengers and book up quickly.

Whalecome to Puerto Vallarta
Los Peines Pier
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico Phone: 322.224.5240
www.vallartawhales.com

This reliable tour company has been in business since 1995, and is owned and operated by oceanologist Isabel Cardenas who has more than 18 years of experience in responsible whale-watching practices. Isabel participates in numerous research projects to include participation in the Whale Population Research Program of Banderas Bay. Tours depart from the Los Peines Pier between the Naval Hospital and the Puerto Iguana condominiums. To ensure that all passengers will have an enjoyable experience, tours are limited to small groups.

Ecotours de Mexico
Proa y Quilla, Local 20
Marina Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
Mexico Phone: 322.209.2195
www.ecotoursvallarta.com

This tour operator has been in business since 1991 and were the founding members of the Mexican Association of Adventure Travel and Eco-tourism (AMTAVE) and have led tours for large international associations. Their team consists primarily of expert biologists and naturalists with a passion for nature and conservation. Expert guides who lead the company’s half-day tours share their knowledge while offering passengers personalized attention. For a more private tour watching experience, tours are limited to 12 passengers.

Vallarta Adventures: Whale Watching Photo Safari
Paseo de las Palmas #39
Nuevo Vallarta, Nayarit, Mexico
Mexico Phone: 52.322.297.1212
www.vallarta-adventures.com

This top-notch tour operator offers wonderful whale-watching tours from mid-December through the end of March. What’s special about this whale-watching tour is the fact that Vallarta Adventures is the only tour company in the Banderas Bay area with a spotter plane to ensure that passengers will be able to witness several whales during the trip. Vallarta Adventures usually offers a 15% online discount to those booking several days in advance.